As the sun sets ......

Carbon Zero / Surrey Bat Group Evening Walk

So, Guildford Walkfest 2025 has drawn to a close. This year we had a reversal in fortunes. Instead of a sunny month lasting until the final days, we were presented with changeable weather through most of the Festival - and this impacted the number of participants. Those who did turn up for their walks were treated to some great scenery, fascinating facts and new adventures.

Last year we trialled an evening walk with Carbon Zero and Surrey Bat Group. It was so popular that we were able to prevail upon them to do it again this year - and again it was fully booked. Learning about these creatures and then seeing - and hearing - them was a novel experience for almost all the group. Standing down by the Wey, initially by the Town Bridge and then along the section near Millmead Lock, we held our bat detectors and listened to then hunting for, and then eating, their evening meal of insects. Seeing them swooping over the water and being told about them by our experts was probably one of my highlights of the month.

I always enjoy a long walk through the Surrey countryside so, for me, another highlight has to have been the day we walked from Guildford to Dorking along the North Downs Way. But I know that long walks aren't for everyone so it was great to have the support of our various Guildford Health Walks groups. These folk walk regularly in different parts of the Borough and there is a real sense of camaraderie that builds up within the groups. Possibly this is reinforced by the refreshment stop at the end of many walks!

Of course, another mainstay of Walkfest is the set of events hosted by the Town Guides. They may be of short length but within the 90 minutes or so of each walk, the Guides seem to have a never-ending supply of fascinating facts to share with you on their specialist topics. These walks aren't just put on for Walkfest so if you missed them, take a look at their website https://www.guildfordwalks.org.uk/ and book one (or more) in the coming months.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the organisations and individuals who hosted walks during Walkfest 2025 - we couldn't do it without you. I'd also like to thank the very small team of volunteers who help to create and run the whole event - whether that be social media coverage, publicity, website creation & management and all the other tasks which make Walkfest happen. For those of you who don't know, Guildford Walkfest gets no funding or sponsorship. It is run on a shoestring with all the costs picked up by the volunteers - now that IS dedication.

Until Walkfest 2026, keep walking and enjoy our wonderful and varied Borough.